Rapidly changing weather conditions tested the resilience and adaptability of 90 Scouts at the annual Scouts NSW State Alpine School in the Snowy Mountains.

The school, for Scouts aged 12 to 26, planned to have two groups camp in the backcountry for three nights based on weather forecasts prior to the start of the camp. However, constantly changing weather patterns forced them to change their plans.

State Alpine School was a seven-day camp where Scouts and volunteers from across NSW and interstate stayed at the Scouts NSW Alpine Activity Centre at Jindabyne before heading out for on-snow activities in the Perisher backcountry, including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and alpine survival skills. Depending on their skill level, participants travelled to and from the snowfields daily or stayed on-snow for overnight activities. Many of the participants were working towards qualifications, including Safe and Trained Participant, as well as Assistant Guide.

The planned schedule of activities for the school was constantly reviewed and adjusted dependent on the active weather conditions.

For an in depth account of the adventure from Leader Jo, Venturer Scout Thomas, and younger Scouts Quentin and Wan, read our full article at scoutsnsw.com.au/news.